The Stingray girls gather for their event. From left, Cianna Conklin, Madelyne Timkey, Olivia Larson, Angela Papiernik, and Angelina Peruzzini. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)

news@eastniagarapost.com

---

Ava Thompson, left, and Aidan Moran celebrate their  individual victories.

The Lockport YMCA Stingrays swim team dove into action on Saturday, already qualifying four swimmers for States. Those who qualified were Jimmy Sacco (200 Free, 50 Free, and 100Back), Luke Menges (50 Free, 100 Free, and 50 Back), Aidan Moran (25 Fly), and Mark Crocker (50 Fly, 50 Free, and 50 Breast).

Also impressive for the Stingrays were their newest swimmers: Michael Marker, Sadie Igoe, Ava Thompson, and Izzy Watson.

Coach Tim Menges noted, "Our first year swimmers met the challenge of swimming in their first competitive meet with enthusiasm, excitement and Lockport pride. They did a great job."

Thompson sped to a first place finish in the 25 Breast, Marker looked strong in the 100 Free, Igoe was thrilled to swim the Breast leg of the 200 Medley Relay, while Watson was touched out in the last few yards in the 25 Back.

Showing great off-season progress, Luke Genewick was able to shave 30 seconds off his last season's best time in the 50 Free. Liam Timkey was in great form placing first in the 50 Free, and the Stingrays also celebrated a victory in the 200 Medley Relay from Luke Menges, Ryan Santarsiero, Jack Strong, and Ken Currie.

The Stingrays have their home opener this Saturday at Lockport High School at 1 p.m.

Some of the Stingrays boys were happy with their performance. From left, Marc Crocker, Jack Strong, and Luke Menges.

---

Get the daily East Niagara Post email update.
Send an email to news@eastniagarapost.com with "email update" in the subject line.